Note: On Fridays, you can find me at Your Daily Tripod, owned by my friend TonyD. A longer version of the post below appears there.
Sometimes, we trust because our faith is strong, and sometimes, we trust because we see no alternative, we lack the ability to grasp God’s great love and gifts. Perhaps there was some of that when the angel visited Mary and told her she
would bear the Son of God. Let it be done to me, she said.
Sometimes, that trust turns into something so much more beautiful—belief—thanks to God working through more tangible means, such as people we know and love. Perhaps there was some of that in Hebron on that day when Mary arrived to attend to Elizabeth, her elderly relative. Imagine Mary’s relief and joy when instead of castigating the young woman for her out-of-wedlock pregnancy, Elizabeth thanks to the Holy Spirit recognized the situation for what it was and gave thanks.
No longer is Mary the passive, concerned girl of the Annunciation. She’s done with questions about how and why. Rather, she pours forth the beautiful prayer of praise we know as the Magnificat.
Was Mary transformed when she saw Elizabeth? Perhaps that’s an overstatement, as she could have said no to the angel and sent him on his way. Her faith in God was always there. But her appreciation for the unique, world-changing role she would assume, it would seem, blossomed with Elizabeth’s words. May we all be receptive to the same humility and appreciation when the Holy Spirit works through our family, friends, and acquaintances to make us aware of the great things the Almighty has done for us.
